On 7 February 2025, the Unisa Library and Information Services (LIS) team comprising Mokgadi Senyolo, Mpho Masingi, Kgaogelo Moeka, and Sylro Pearce, together with senior librarians Angelique and Karin Maritz from the Waverley Community Library, in collaboration with the City of Tshwane Region 3, jointly celebrate World Read Aloud Day to promote literacy and community engagement.
Unisa Library and Information Services team and Waverley Community Library staff members
Engaging activities foster a love for reading
Situated near a public park, the Waverley Community Library provided an ideal setting for this initiative. The library, structured into Junior, Adult, and Reference sections, ensures accessibility for various age groups and literacy levels, making it a valuable community resource.
A highlight of the day was an interactive storytelling session led by Maritz, who read aloud Wat is Dit? a charming Afrikaans tale from Nal’ibali about a curious young child exploring the world through a series of questions and discoveries. The audience, which included the elderly and teenagers, was captivated by the experience. Selecting an Afrikaans story underscored the library’s commitment to multilingual literacy development.
To add an element of fun, the Unisa LIS team introduced a Valentine-themed game of charades. Participants picked words from a bowl and acted them out while others guessed their meaning. This engaging activity strengthened the bond between library staff and community members, demonstrating that learning can be both educational and fun.
Libraries as evolving learning hubs
During conversations with attendees, the team discovered that many of the children present were homeschooled, having joined these programmes post-COVID-19. This finding highlighted the evolving educational landscape and the growing role of libraries as alternative learning spaces.
The Waverley Community Library actively promotes literacy and education beyond World Read Aloud Day. Its weekly Storybook Hour sessions have significantly improved children's reading confidence and comprehension skills. Additionally, the library supports arts and culture programmes, including a homeschool choir and athletics. A community support initiative provides donations for essentials including tea and coffee, and makes art programmes possible, thus reinforcing the library’s long-term commitment to literacy, creativity, and personal development.
Reading with Waverly Library Junior Reading Club
Beyond storytelling and games, the Unisa LIS team took the opportunity to inform community members about available library services and resources. Library-branded promotional materials were distributed to encourage reading and writing habits among attendees. In addition, Senyolo emphasised the importance of utilising local libraries as essential knowledge hubs offering academic support, particularly for homeschooling learners.
Strengthening literacy through community engagement
The visit to the Waverley Community Library by Unisa LIS was more than just an event - it was a celebration of literacy, storytelling, and community connection. As one participant Gigi Paoletich remarked: "Listening to stories under the trees brought back childhood memories. It reminded me of how magical books can be." By engaging with library users through reading, games, and discussions, the team reinforced the significance of libraries in shaping young minds and supporting lifelong learning.
As Unisa LIS continues its outreach programmes, events such as the World Read Aloud Day serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of reading and community engagement. Strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and local libraries will further enhance literacy development and accessibility for all. Encouraging volunteers, educators, and community members to participate in such initiatives can help sustain the momentum and expand the reach of literacy programmes across South Africa.
*By Mpho Masingi and Kgaogelo Moeka, Unisa Library and Information Services
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